After Northwest Runway Ordeal,
Fliers Decide to Assert Rights

The New Year's weekend fiasco that left thousands of Northwest Airlines passengers stranded for hours on Detroit runways has spawned a campaign to protect the rights of fliers on the ground.

Airlines and pilots have broad authority under aviation laws, regulations and industry practices to control passenger behavior in aircraft, all in the name of maintaining order and safety. But following two horrifying days at Detroit Metropolitan Airport -- in which Northwest passengers say they were restricted to their seats for as...